It is not often that education rises beyond the boundaries of academics and pushes its students towards the path of self actualization. This is a rare and commendable effort.

Agnello Dias, Chairman & Co-Founder, Taproot India

Like walking through a library of the future . Thank you for opening my eyes.

Josy Paul, Chairman and National Creative Director, BBDO India.

It is one of the greatest efforts I have seen .How passion can give shape to an institution which will hopefully, one day become a national treasure.

Anil Kapoor, Chairman Emeritus, Draft FCB Ulka

As always the Iqbal touch of class shows – in his students . I think Iqbal and Anu are doing a HUGE service to our industry and I wish them all the very best .I enjoy watching them shape raw talent into pure art !

Meera Sharath Chandra, Founder CEO & CCO of Tigress Tigress

I will remember my visit and my concert here as one of my life’s best moments. I played my best music in years here, am very inspired and moved , looking forward to my next visit

Salil Bhatt, Musician

LLA is a centre of excellence for Young Creative Minds ! Looking forward to my next trek to LLA

Bharath Bala, Filmmaker

Ocean Earth & Sky — that is where I wanted to feel my presence, personally and Professionally… through my passion for photography and professionally through my work —-that’s the beauty about this profession, where ever you are, the world above or beneath -photography exists !!! Light& Light Academy has helped me to achieve my passion into my profession – my dream to be an automobile and underwater photographer. Thanks to Iqbal Sir and Anu Mam for being a part of my inspiration and achievements.

Ajit S N (Alumnus)

I was partially responsible for naming the Academy, and today when I visited this place I realised how Light & Life complement each other even in a dream ! May God and nature keep showering their blessings on this child of destiny.

Ashok Roy, Creative Guru

One of my most exciting moments of 2013. I’m always proud being a student of Mr. Iqbal sir. A man with great simplicity, enthusiasm, spirit and the huge love for photography. He is always my inspiration.

You have given me a year full of memories, knowledge and fun which I don’t think I can get from anywhere else.

Azharudeen – Alumnus, LLA

Like walking through a library of the future . Thank you for opening my eyes.

Josy Paul, Chairman and National Creative Director, BBDO India.

Thanks for making me a photographer !!!

Bharath Srinivasan

A rarity in terms of talent, heart and passion ….you inspire us all Iqbal Sir !!!

In a display like this , its very difficult to single out any one talent . What I do find amazing is that LLA is that one institute that has managed to make so many different styles emerge . It takes a lot to impart skill / knowledge without stamping on creativity ! Well done .

Sudha Panchapakesan, Real Image – Chennai

My experience at LLA has been really brilliant. Meeting some of the top level and most sought after photographers in the industry was the icing on the cake, after being able to learn so much from them.

Shantanobo Das, Mumbai.

Being here has not only given me a chance to call myself a ‘Photographer’ and not just a ‘student of photography’, but also to transform myself into what I hope is a better human being.

Nrithya Randhir, Chennai.

After seeing these (LLA Alumni work) ” I feel Life is worth living”

P.C.Sreeram, Renowned Cinematographer

Firstly I have to thank Light & Life Academy for giving us the opportunity to work under a great personality in Indian cinema. Getting feedback from him was very encouraging. We got a better understanding as to what it takes for a multimedia production to occur.

Rejoy Krishna, Batch 15 On Alphonse Roy’s Class

Getting into LLA was a dream come true and we all thought that we had something in us to be a part of this esteemed academy. I am grateful to the amazing faculty and I am blessed to have them as a family away from home. With so much to learn I am glad that I am in safe hands. Looking forward to exploring the magical world of photography through their eyes.

Monika, Batch 15, On getting into LLA

It was really fantastic to see so much of enthusiasm from the children. Their response was very overwhelming and i really loved teaching them.

Manieesha, Batch 15, On the Social Work Program

As a true beginner who just bought a DSLR the first session as beautifully designed to meet the beginner needs. The assignments were challenging but also fun which enabled keeping a positive morale at the start of the program.

Akshay Sharma, Batch 15, On the first module at LLA

Iqbal Sir’s class is the most amazing experience for me. There is so much to learn from him, not just about photography but also living life. His experience in this field is very well showing out when he shares his different stories.

Sampada A, Batch 15, On Light class conducted by Iqbal

Batch 15 has students belonging to various parts of the country with different mindsets and our love for photography is the binding factor. Our first faculty, Ms. Punya helped us understand aesthetics in photography. We not only learnt aesthetics of photography in this session, but also aesthetics of life.

Swet Priya, Batch 15, On Light & Life Academy

ONE-YEAR P G DIPLOMA IN PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY (2017-2018)

This is the flagship course offered by Light & Life Academy. The comprehensive curriculum is organic and innovative in nature and evolves even as the course is in progress. The programme is densely packed to optimize the use of one year of study. It has been designed, assuming a very high level of interest and motivation amongst the students enrolling for the progrmme. It lets students learn hands-on: with lectures, slideshows, demos, critique sessions, workshops, field-trips, movie screenings, multi-media sessions, guest lectures and seminars. There is no such thing as failing at Light and Life Academy —there is only learning in the form of training and inspiration.

Section 1- Fundamental Concepts (Compulsory)

Principles and Fundamentals of 35mm Photography

Natural Light & its Qualities

Artificial Light Sources and their Qualities

Exploring the Techniques and Aesthetics of Portable Flash Units.

Studio Photography (Still Life, Product & People)

Appreciation of Medium Format Photography

Essential Digital Post-Production

Black and White Photography

Creativity in Photography

UV Light Photography

Every area of subject, above, has its own time-bound assignments and submissions with critique and grading. The faculty also offers collective and individual feedback even while students are working on their assignments.

Section II- Specialisation (Compulsory)

Once students complete their study of the Fundamentals of Photography, they move on to an intensive study of the areas of specialisations that every professional photographer will find immensely useful. Understanding these areas will help them explore any area of photography with confidence:

People Photography (Studio and Location)

Product Photography (Studio and Location)

Nature Photography

Fine Art Photography (Studio and Location)

Lectures, slide shows, demos and informal corridor conversations with the faculty help students understand, explore and analyse the subjects at hand. Every subject has its own time-bound assignments and submissions with critique and grading. During this phase, the students are encouraged to develop and explore an individual vision.

Section III- Specialisation (Select)

Once students become proficient in handling assignments of Section II, they can pursue further study in any one of the following areas of specialisation of their choice:

Architecture and Interior Photography

Fashion Photography

Food and Beverage Photography

Travel Photography

Lectures, slide shows, demos and informal corridor conversations with the faculty help students understand, explore and analyse the subjects at hand. Every subject has its own time-bound assignments and submissions with critique and grading. In this phase, they will explore all that they learnt in Section I & II and build on it.

Section IV – Seminars (Optional)

On completion of Sections I, II & III, students will have a good understanding of photography at a professional level. In Section IV, LLA offers an insight into additional areas of photography in a seminar format. This will give the students an appreciation of the nuances involved in particular areas of photography. Attendance at these seminars is optional.

Industrial Photography

Large set-up and Automobile Photography

Function Photography

Creating Multimedia Presentations

These sections will be conducted in a seminar format covering Lectures, slide shows, real life case studies, for each area of study. This is followed by an intensive Q & A session. Students can then explore these areas on their own.

Section V – Value Adds

At Light and Life Academy, it is believed that artists are a sum of their experiences. That is why special sessions on campus, from guest lectures to ‘photo-walks’ around Nilgiris, are organised from time to time, based on the level of involvement of the batch and progress of core areas of study. Students at LLA, are also expected to be a part of any social responsibility programme that LLA sponsors. This not only helps them develop a world-view, but also leaves them with an understanding of micro-situations on ground, both of which help develop empathy.

Section VI – Making your Portfolio

Portfolios are mirrors of talent and experiences. Students create them using all that they have learnt, seen, heard, experienced through the duration of the course. They are required to work on all areas in Section II and the one area opted for in Section III. A detailed brief will be given before the students start working on their portfolio.

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Course Fee

Section I (Compulsory) INR 4,10,000/-
Sections II (Compulsory) INR 1,90,000/-
Section III (Optional) : Fees based on area of study ranging from INR 25,000 - INR 45,000.
Service Tax as applicable will be extra in each component of fees.
Refundable security deposit: INR 30,000/-
(Payment schedule will be given along with offer of admission letter)

The fees includes:

a) Use of lighting equipment, light modifying accessories and grip equipment within the Academy Campus only.
b) A selection of props and backgrounds for use in LLA Studios and return in original condition.
c) Models, stylist, make-up artist/hair stylist, food stylist and other professionals for demo sessions only based on the requirements of different areas of study.
d) Transport from Ooty (central) to Academy and back on those days when the student is required to be on campus.
e) Lunch, tea / coffee on those days when the student is required to be on campus.

Additional Expenses to be borne by the students

a) Personal equipment as specified by the Academy.
b) Personal equipment maintenance / repairs / insurance / books / stationery.
c) Personal expenses on accommodation, food and personal travel, etc.
d) Expenses for procuring subjects, props and other consumables for shooting various assignments.
e) Expenses for travel and stay at locations where assignment shots and portfolio shots are to be done.
f) Expenses involved while working on specialisation projects (on models, stylist, make-up artist/hair stylist, food stylist and other professionals, etc. based on the requirements of different areas of study, opted for.
g) Cost of making archival prints, in case of exhibition on campus or at locations off-campus.

Getting in

The Academy follows an open admission policy. You should have a minimum of 15 years of formal education in any subject with a degree. Exceptions will be made for candidates with work experience or life learning experiences, with a minimum of 12 years of formal education. You should be at least 20 years old. Admission is on a first-come-first-served basis.

It is a three step process:
a) Portfolio Review
b) Skype Interaction
c) Personal interview at the Academy

You have to bring your camera for a test shoot on campus when you come for the interview. The Academy notifies admission status soon after the interview

Note: You should be familiar with a Digital SLR Camera. A basic knowledge of computer usage and general proficiency in English is essential. The course assumes that the applicant is already a keen photographer, but desires to hone his/her skills.

In line with the policy of the Academy to constantly update the course content based on developments in the field (technical and aesthetic), the course content, schedules and methodology are subject to change even as the course is in progress

Evaluation

Evaluation is done on a continuous basis on assignments submitted and tests administered from time to time. The students are expected to clear every single assignment with a minimum score of 70%. Light & Life Academy believes that every student can make the grade, therefore, the student is given enough opportunities and assistance from the faculty to achieve the minimum grade for every assignment.

Note: In line with the policy of the Academy to constantly update the course based on developments in the field (technical and aesthetic), and in keeping with the learning curve of the students, the course content, schedules and methodology are subject to change even as the course is in progress.

Accommodation

The Academy will help you find appropriate accommodation to suit your budget.

Equipment

A list of equipment, that you will need to get for the course, will be given to you an admission.